Grade 12 students in two of teacher Breanna Bedor’s English classes are running the Project KITES (Kids in Tough and Extraordinary Situations) program, a fundraising and awareness campaign that each semester adopts a medically fragile child who is being, or has been, treated at the unit. The project raises awareness about the struggles each child is facing, and organizes fundraisers to support the unit‘s work.

This term, students are supporting Maverick Jonkman, 19 months, of Brockville, (pictured at right) who suffers from a rare chomosomal syndrome. The condition has resulted in several health issues such as holes in his heart, a hernia, breathing problems, moderate hearing loss, mobility problems, and the need for a feeding tube in his stomach.

Two classes a week, students split into teams to support the project, learning practical English skills such as how to write fundraising letters, how to write scripts for emcees at two upcoming fundraising concerts, as well as oral communication skills. They study newspaper articles about the program, or associated topics such as quilting, to build media literacy – a key part of the Grade 12 English curriculum. In addition, students learn practical skills such as fundraising. The class has secured donations of supplies, gift certificates, services and other support from businesses such as: Milano’s Pizzeria, Joynt Auction Company Ltd., Law and Orders Restaurant, Chantale Irene Photography, Hinton Auto Group, HD Office Supplies, Metroland Media, YourTV Smiths Falls, King Star Oriental Buffet, Jack 92.3 FM, Little Stitches, Osgood Signs and Stitches, Tammy’s Nail Salon, and Kevin Nolan Trucking.

“The program also teaches students not to take their health for granted and other valuable lessons about gratitude, compassion and empathy for others,” added Bedor.

Students are organizing two fundraising concerts on December 6, 2017 to support CHEO – an afternoon one for students, and an evening concert for the public. Both events will feature vocal performances by Smiths Falls-area students such as Briana Kelford, MacKenzie Campbell, Landon Bedor, Helio Leung and others. In addition, the evening performances will include a live auction showcasing items such as a full-sized superhero-themed quilt created by the students, as well as gift certificates from Milano’s Pizzeria and eyelash extensions from Lashes by Brae. Both events will also feature a bake sale offering fare created by local students. Tickets to the evening concert can be purchased at the school office, Tammy's Nail Salon in Smiths Falls or at the door for $5. The evening concert begins at 7 p.m.